Kidnapped Benue Seminarian Escapes from Abductors, Reunites with Family

A seminarian of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Benue State, Kelvin Ochai, has regained his freedom after escaping from the custody of the gunmen who abducted him earlier this week. The development has brought relief to members of the Catholic community and residents of the state who had been praying for his safe return. 

Ochai was abducted on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, by armed men who attacked the Bishop’s Residence at Asa III in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. His kidnapping sparked widespread concern and renewed fears over the worsening security situation in parts of the state. 

Confirming his release, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, disclosed that the seminarian escaped from his captors on the evening of Friday, July 31, before making his way to Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he was reunited with his family unharmed. 

According to the Diocese, Ochai’s safe return was made possible through divine intervention and the prayers offered by Christians and well-wishers during his period in captivity.

In a statement, the Diocese said the seminarian escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout and eventually found his way to safety without sustaining any injuries. Church authorities described his return as a testimony of God’s protection and mercy. 

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed gratitude to priests, religious leaders, parishioners, and members of the public who stood with the Church in prayer throughout the ordeal.

He also thanked Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ioryue, parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Aliade, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force for the care, support, and assistance provided to the seminarian after his escape. 

While celebrating Ochai’s safe return, the Diocese called for continued prayers for other victims who remain in captivity across Nigeria, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and restore peace to affected communities.

The Church also prayed for lasting peace, justice, and improved security across the country, expressing hope that all those still held by kidnappers would regain their freedom safely. 

The incident has once again highlighted the growing security challenges facing Benue State, where cases of kidnapping, attacks on communities, and violent crimes have continued to generate concern among residents and religious organisations.

Security experts have repeatedly called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved policing, and closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities to tackle the rising wave of abductions in the region.

Although the circumstances surrounding Ochai’s escape remain unclear, his safe return has been widely welcomed by members of the Catholic faithful and the general public, many of whom have described it as a remarkable outcome after days of uncertainty.

The Diocese has appealed for sustained prayers and support for all victims of insecurity while urging government authorities to take more decisive action to protect lives and property across the country.